With my Mytek Brooklyn I've experimented a lot and honestly can't hear a difference between DSD and 192k/24 PCM so now I just stick to 192k PCM.
anyone using Roon to convert PCM to DSD? it sounds a lot different and maybe better
I always felt leaving files in their Native format was best. I also did not think using Roon sounded better than not using Roon, Roon offers a lot of cool features such as integrating your stored files and researching artists, looking for different versions of songs, etc. but I didn’t think it was worth the money.
I learned about a DIY streaming setup using Raspberry Pi computers. I’m NOT a computer geek, and it was not difficult to implement. I don’t think it’s been discussed in this forum - https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/71280-diy-a-three-tier-roon-endpoint-with-diretta-on-raspberry-pi/#comments
I feel like the sound quality of this setup provides an incredible value for the money, but the way it’s implemented does require Roon.
So anyway - back to the topic. Roon offers what I call "tone controls" in addition to their Parametric EQ function (which in itself can be useful) . These are in the "Sample rate conversion" functions.
I started experimenting with the PCM to DSD conversion and I’m quite surprised with what I’m hearing. This effect may be DAC dependent (I’m using a Gustard x26Pro). I’m playing a track called "Roach" by jazz pianist Larry Goldngs which is a 96kHZ, 24 bit file and switching from Native to "Roon converted" DSD512 and the difference in depth and soundstage in my room is startling.
Now I find I’m pretty much always leaving the conversion on all the time.
I haven’t gone over the Roon forum on this - I’m not sure it’s a very welcoming place but I like the vibe here.
Curious to know if anyone here has tried this.
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Not using Roon but instead Audirvana with Qobuz and have found that upsampling to DSD generally yields a smoother sound that I prefer especially when listening to vocals. With instrumental music I could be satisfied with either DSD or PCM upsampling and sometimes choose to not upsample at all. When I use an inexpensive DDC to convert usb to spdif for purposes of galvanic isolation from my laptop, DSD gets limited to 64 because 128 will occasionally not play. A better DDC providing IIS output would circumvent this issue but not provide galvanic isolation. It's best to try many combinations and is likely to be streamer and DAC dependent as to which sounds the best in your system. |
I do not use Roon. I use HQ Player to convert ALL sources to DSD 256. FLAC and DSD files are from local machine through HQ Player library. But sources like Spotify, Youtube, any websites with media all are routed through VB-Cable's HiFi cable into HQ Player which upsample them to DSD 256. I have the T+A DAC 200 and it loved DSD feeds. |
Thank you for the album recommendation by jazz pianist Larry Goldngs. I found this album on QoBuz and like it very much. I am using Audirvana software running on an Infigo Audio Steamer Model IS-1 connected to my Schiit YGGY+ LIM DAC. I previously tested PCM to DSD Audirvana conversion using a BRICASTI M21 DAC and did not like it. Obviously, it seems, everyone has a different opinion of what sounds good. |
@hgeifman I think it depends on the DAC and probably the conversion software glad you liked the album - I got the recommendation from Stereophile magazine it's a great hobby! |
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